Balega Running Socks

Enduro Quarter Running Socks (Black/Grey) - £15.00

Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Socks (Gradient White/Asphalt) - £15.00

Running is such a fun hobby, and one that many of us are taking up as we enter into the new year. When we first get into running, we often are so focused on buying new trainers, shorts and running tops that we forget about the simple things, like the perfect socks to wear. Whilst socks may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about running, they can have a big impact on your overall running experience. This is where Balega comes in, a South African company, founded by husband-and-wife duo Bert and Tanya Pictor, which is passionate about creating high-performance running socks designed with a whole bunch of technology to support your performance whilst providing a great level of protection for your feet.

We got to review two different pairs from Balega: the Enduro Quarter Running Socks and the Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Socks, both of which are available for £15 per pair. Starting first with the Enduro Quarter Running Socks, the pair we got to review came in a lovely minimalist black and grey colourway that looks great and feels premium. The socks are quarter socks, which means they sit just above your ankle, so they hit the perfect middle spot for coverage and support, whilst still feeling unrestrictive.

From the initial look of the socks, you may not expect much; however, the Enduro Quarter Running Socks have been made with your feet in mind. Each sock is designed with targeted compression to mold to the shape of your foot and support your arch with Balega’s signature V-Tech Arch support. This adds a lovely supportive feel to the socks, and is accompanied by medium cushioning along the base to help provide an extra layer of impact resistance for added comfort throughout each step. Plus, the design has a deep heel pocket and irritation-free seamless toe, which ensures the sock will protect your heel and toes, so blisters are a thing of the past.  

The Enduro Quarter Socks sit at the perfect height for running, as they’re long enough to not slip down in your shoe, whilst not feeling as restrictive as some longer sock styles. I like that the socks are breathable, thanks to the ventilation panels, which help heat escape during long runs to keep your feet cool. Plus, the socks are made from Drynamix™ yarn, which is designed to wick any moisture away and keep your feet as dry as possible. Together, the Drynamix™ yarn and the ventilation panels ensure that even on long runs, your feet do not get overheated and instead remain comfortable.

The next pair of socks we got to review were the Hidden Comfort No-Show Socks, which came in a lovely white-to-black gradient panel colourway. The socks are ankle height, so they don’t show much when you’re wearing trainers, but they feature a lovely deep heel with a high heel tab. I love a high heel tab on my ankle socks as it stops them from sliding down in your shoe and provides an extra bit of protection between your heel and the back of the shoe to prevent blisters. Therefore, the heel tab on the Hidden Comfort No-Show Socks is an absolute game-changer, especially when paired with the deep heel pocket of the socks, as they ensure that even with a low-profile sock, you don’t have to worry about blisters slowing you down. 

The Hidden Comfort No-Show Socks feature many of the same innovative technologies from Balega as the Enduro Quarter socks, including their Drynamix™ yarn for optimum moisture wicking, seamless toe for no irritation and blisters, and mesh ventilation panels to ensure your feet remain at a comfortable and regulated temperature.

Much like the Enduro Quarter Socks, I love how secure and supportive the socks are with compression and cushioning to help deliver on comfort and absorb some of the impact during high-intensity activities. However, with the low profile, I like that I can get more versatility out of this design, wearing them both for physical activity and for everyday wear, thanks to the no-show style. Thus, if you’re looking for a great all-around pair of socks you can wear with any shoe height, knowing you’re supported by heel protection and comfort cushioning, the Hidden Comfort No-Show Socks are a great choice for both running or just everyday physical activity!

Across the entire Balega range, you’re sure to find a pair that works for you and your needs, supporting your feet with high-quality materials and leading technology. Therefore, if you’re on the hunt for some new running or sports socks that are designed to support your feet throughout every step, then Balega socks are the perfect choice. At £15 per pair, they are on the pricier side for socks. However, each pair are made with premium materials and backed by leading technology to support your performance through every step. Plus, when purchasing from Balega, you are supporting a company where giving back is part of its ethos, and so by purchasing with them, you are supporting the company’s philanthropic efforts in South Africa, where the company found its origins.

Pros:

• Socks designed with comfort and support
• Made with high-quality materials such as Drynamix™ yarn for optimum moisture wicking
• Range of styles to suit your needs

Cons:

• Higher price point for a single pair of socks

 

Check out the Balenga range currently available in the UK from balega.co.uk, as well as from specialist running retail stores, including all branches of national chains of Up & Running and Runner’s Need. Plus, you can find Balega socks in a whole range of independent sports shops too!